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Easy Freezer-Friendly Loaded Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Perfect Brunch

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A quick and easy loaded breakfast casserole that can be prepped ahead, frozen, and baked for a hearty, comforting brunch. Features crispy hash browns, savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage (spicy or mild, turkey sausage optional)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound (450g) of breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 7–9 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and stir to combine.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 1 cup (240ml) milk until fully blended and slightly frothy. Season with salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper).
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Pour the egg mixture over everything and stir gently until fully incorporated.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down slightly to compact it.
  7. If freezing for later, cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then foil on top to prevent freezer burn. Label with date. For immediate baking, proceed to the next step.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes if fresh. If baking from frozen, bake covered with foil for 60–70 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and set. The casserole should be puffed up and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for garnish.

Notes

To avoid sogginess, cook sausage and veggies separately before mixing. Squeeze excess moisture from thawed hash browns if needed. Let casserole rest after baking for clean slices. When freezing, cover tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in fridge for best texture before baking. Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for balanced flavor. Season egg mixture well to enhance taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, freezer-friendly, brunch recipe, loaded casserole, easy breakfast, make-ahead, sausage casserole, hash browns, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-freezer-friendly-loaded-breakfast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-brunch/